'Tis the season to be silly with the loveable but daft stars of Lucretia P. Hale's late-19th-century work The Peterkin Papers . Mama, Papa and their brood prepare for the holidays in true Peterkins style—raising the parlor ceiling for a too-tall Christmas tree and underestimating their trimming needs. But the family's kind, if mysterious friend, the Lady from Philadelphia, helps save the day via a special delivery package. This time-proven gem, polished to a new shine, makes for a fun read. Halperin's (Love Is… ) intricately framed watercolors, comfortably packed with cozy period detail, punctuate the text's quirky, warm tone. Ages 7-10. (Oct.)